Ken Kesey's Original "Furthur" Bus on Its Latest Trek

October 4, 2026 / 9:35 AM EDT / CBS News

Ken Kesey's Original "Furthur" Bus on Its Latest Trek

TL;DR

  • The "Furthur" bus, a 1939 International Harvester, is featured in a San Francisco exhibit called "Forever Grateful."
  • The bus was central to Ken Kesey's 1964 cross-country trip with "The Merry Pranksters," documenting their experiences with LSD and alcohol.
  • Despite causing emotional and psychological damage to some participants, the bus became an emblem of liberation and cultural shift.
  • The bus's journey inspired the band known as the Grateful Dead.
  • After years of neglect, the bus is being preserved through public exhibits and fundraising efforts led by Kesey's son, Zane.
  • The exhibit aims to inspire creativity, exploration, and the creation of personal paths forward.